CCSO seizes 228 pounds of marijuana

CAMDEN COUNTY, Fla. -- About 228 pounds of marijuana was seized by the Camden County Sheriff's Office Thursday afternoon.

At around 3 p.m., Sgt. Cedric Brown conducted a traffic stop on ablack Dodge Caravan traveling south on Georgia 405 for improper lane changing and failure to maintain a lane of travel.

According to a CCSO press release, Brown smelled a strong marijuana odor when the driver, 37-year-old Ruben Arencibia, rolled down the window. Arencibia exited the vehicle at Brown's request.

When asked if Arencibia smoked any marijuana, he first allegedly said no and then withdrew his response.

Arencibia did not give consent for Brown to search the vehicle when asked.

Brown informed him that his K-9 partner Chacal would be brought to the vehicle. K-9 Chacal gave a positive alert for the presence of illegal narcotics when taken to the vehicle.

Sgt. Brian Faulk, who was riding with Brown, and Kingsland Police Department Officer Michael Walker informed Arencibia that the vehicle would be searched.

When the search began, Arencibia ran towards a wooded area. The officers chased after him and were able to apprehend him not too far from the scene, the release said.

During the vehicle search, several large black plastic bags were found along with clothing and a green suitcase. In one of the bags, Brown allegedly found what he believed to be marijuana.

Investigator Matthew Turner with the Drug Task Force also arrived to help the officers.

According to the release, the vehicle was taken to the Camden County Sheriff's Office Substation. At the substation, a warrant was served and the vehicle was searched and eleven bags filled with marijuana were found.

The total weight of marijuana, according to the release, was 228.24 pounds.

Arencibia is in custody at the Camden County Jail and is charged with trafficking marijuana, obstruction of an officer, improper lane change and failure to maintain the lane.